Asking Eric: How do I let my nephew know I can’t attend his wedding due to travel costs?

Dear Eric: My godson/nephew is getting married in another state in a few months. I have been invited and have been looking forward to going.

However, as it draws closer, I am not sure I can afford an airplane ticket and the cost of the hotel and other festivities.

I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I really don’t have the money to attend. How do I gracefully decline without hurting anyone’s feelings?

I also told my brother and his wife that I would split a hotel room with them. I don’t want to make them mad, but I seriously don’t want to go nor have the money to go. How do I handle this?

— Torn aunt

Dear Aunt: When people ask relatives to travel for a wedding, they should—and usually do—recognize that with that ask comes a greater financial burden than a local wedding. Knowin